But the amusement annoyed her for she did not understand it.
"I have got a Havana cigar here," he said.

"May I ?" "Of course." He lit it and listened.

But it was not long before it went out and he did not stir to light it again.

The incident of which Mrs.Repton had been the witness, and which she related now, invested Ballantyne with horror.
Thresk had left the camp at Chitipur with an angry contempt for him.

The contempt passed out of his feelings altogether as he sat in Mrs.Repton's drawing-room.
"I am not telling you what Stella has confided to me," said Mrs.Repton.
"Stella's loyal even when there's no cause for loyalty; and if loyalty didn't keep her mouth closed, self-respect would.